Getting into a Universal Design home: Entrances, Walkways, and Lighting
Posted by Penny Hull on Wed, Feb 02, 2011 @ 05:41 AM
Getting into your Universal Design* home
Entrance, Walkways, and Lighting for Universal Design Homes
Getting in and out of your Universal Design home begins with its entrance, walkways and lighting. Here’s what you need to know – and what else to ask about from your accessible home custom home builder:
Entrance
At least one entrance that doesn’t require steps
- Porch floor, stoop, or landing should be at the same level as the floor inside the home
- Exterior door at least 35 inches wide
- Eye-level peephole for adults, children, and wheelchair access
- Lever or D-shaped door handle
- Easy-to-reach, lighted doorbell or intercom
- Flat threshold
- No slip flooring
- Large, simple typeface house numbers 60 inches off the floor
- Overhead covering (roof extension, overhang or awning)
- Chair, small table, bench or shelf by the door
Walkways
- Textured
- Nonslip
- Level or gradually sloping
- 36 inches to 66 inches wide
- Concrete or other solid surface material
- Ramps
- No more than one inch rise for each 12 inches in length
- Five foot landing at top and wherever ramp changes direction
- Handrails on both sides that can be gripped while sitting and standing
Lighting
- Small, low-voltage lights that illuminate walkways, with extra lights as elevation changes
- Covered light fixtures above eye level at entrance to minimize glare
- Illuminate door handle, lockset and house numbers
Ask your accessible home builder about these additional considerations:
- Placement of the home that does not require ramps
- Several fixtures such as scones or hanging lanterns
- Recess lights in the underside of eaves or roof overhang
- Perimeter area spotlights directed at walls, dark corners and garages
- Motion or light sensor that switches on and off automatically
- Door locks that are easy to operate, such as keyless locks with remote control, push-button or keypad
- Intercom system—connected to phone or stand-alone
- Passive or active solar heating (e.g., south facing windows)
*Universal Design (UD) (encompassing “aging in place,” “accessible living,” and “barrier-free living”) is an approach to building that makes everyday actions easier.
Universal Design meets the needs of the present and the future.
Consider universal design concepts for your next home - universal design is most cost efficient and effective when incorporated directly into your new home.
Read More Universal Design and Accessible Home Topics:
Specially Adapted Housing for Veterans and Servicemembers - How to Get Started
How to Get Started Looking for an Accessible Home
Door and Hallway Requirements for Accessible Homes
What is Universal Design, and how does it make living easier?
Laundry Rooms Designed for Easy Use
Top 10 Kitchen Tips - Universal Design
One Story Floor Plans
Featured Homes - Virtual Tours
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Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.